Teletex receiver arrangement

ABSTRACT

A teletext receiver arrangement comprises a receiver for receiving broadcast data including teletext data elements through a broadcast channel ( 8,9 ); a teletext processor ( 12,13 ) for extracting the teletext data elements from the broadcast data; and processor ( 13 ) for generating a video signal encoding a customized teletext page from the teletext data elements according to a set of instructions. The teletext receiver arrangement comprises all interface ( 20 ) for establishing a connection to a server ( 7 ) through an interaction channel ( 21 ), and is programmed to download a piece of computer code implementing the set of instructions from the server ( 7 ) through the interaction channel ( 21 ).

The invention relates to a teletext receiver arrangement, comprising

-   -   a receiver for receiving broadcast data including teletext data        elements through a broadcast channel;    -   a teletext processor for extracting the teletext data elements        from the broadcast data; and    -   a processor for generating a video signal encoding a customized        teletext page from the teletext data elements according to a set        of instructions.

The invention further relates to a method of adapting a teletextreceiver arrangement that comprises a receiver for receiving broadcastdata, including teletext data elements, through a broadcast channel;

-   -   a teletext processor for extracting the teletext data elements        from the broadcast data;    -   a processor for generating a video signal encoding a customized        teletext page from the teletext data elements according to a set        of instructions.

The invention also relates to a server set up to execute such a method.

The invention also relates to a computer program product, having thecapability, when run on a server, to make the server execute such amethod.

The invention further relates to a television receiver, comprising ateletext receiver arrangement according to the opening paragraph.

The invention lastly relates to a computer program product for atelevision broadcast receiver terminal.

A teletext receiver arrangement as defined in the opening paragraph isdisclosed in International Patent Application WO 01/91456. The prior artarrangement allows a user to select teletext information forreproduction in an information bar which is displayed simultaneouslywith a television program.

In this system, only customization of a pre-determined type is possible.The user merely defines which information is to be shown in theinformation bar. To provide a different type of customization, adifferent set of algorithms would have to be programmed into the chip.This cannot be done locally by a user, since such a programmingenvironment would require a more powerful chip than is generallyavailable in a television set.

It is an object of the invention to provide a teletext receiverarrangement, method of adapting such an arrangement, server andtelevision receiver of the type mentioned above that allow a versatilecustomization of teletext pages.

This object is achieved by the teletext receiver arrangement accordingto the invention, comprising

-   -   a receiver for receiving broadcast data including teletext data        elements through a broadcast channel;    -   a teletext processor for extracting the teletext data elements        from the broadcast data; and    -   a processor for generating a video signal encoding a customized        teletext page from the teletext data elements according to a set        of instructions; wherein the teletext receiver arrangement        comprises an interface for establishing a connection to a server        through an interaction channel, and is programmed to download a        piece of computer code implementing the set of instructions from        the server through the interaction channel.

New and different types of instructions can thus be compiled into a codethat is executable or interpretable by the processor for generating avideo signal. Compilation can be done externally, i.e. not on the deviceincorporating the teletext receiver arrangement, e.g. a television orset top box. The code is placed on the server and downloaded to thetelevision or set top box. Thus, the device does not need the computerresources to host a complete development environment. On the other hand,new types of instructions can be provided. This makes the customizationmore versatile, since new types of instructions can be providedthroughout the lifetime of the television or set-top box.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method of adapting a teletextreceiver arrangement that comprises a receiver for receiving broadcastdata, including teletext data elements, through a broadcast channel;

-   -   a teletext processor for extracting the teletext data elements        from the broadcast data; and    -   a processor for generating a video signal encoding a customized        teletext page from the teletext data elements according to a set        of instructions; is provided, the method comprising transferring        a piece of computer code implementing the set of instructions        from a server, connected to the teletext receiver arrangement by        means of an interaction channel, to the teletext receiver        arrangement through the interaction channel.

This is the method that is carried out by the system of the server andteletext receiver arrangement, in order to adapt the latter to providecustomized teletext pages. By the use of this method, a wider range oftypes of customization can be deployed in the teletext receiverarrangement.

Preferable, the method comprises assembling a set of instructions inresponse to commands received from a terminal connected to the serverthrough a network, and generating the piece of code from the assembledset of instructions.

Thus, using the terminal, which can be a personal computer, interactivetelevision or set-top box, it is possible to program the teletextreceiver arrangement, without a programming environment being availableon the device incorporating the teletext receiver arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a server is provided,set up to execute a method according to any one of claims 7-16.

The server thus set up provides the means for adapting one or moreteletext receiver arrangements to providing different types ofcustomized teletext pages.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program productis provided, having the capability, when run on a server, to make theserver execute a method according to any one of claims 7-16.

With this computer program product, a general server can be used toprovide the adaptation function of the invention.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a television receiveris provided, comprising a teletext receiver arrangement according to anyone of claims 1-6.

The television receiver, which can be a set-top box or a conventionaltelevision set, for example, is thus more versatile. It can provide manydifferent types of customized teletext pages, namely as many as are madeavailable on the server, to which it is connected, when in use.

The invention will now be explained in further detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a broadcast system in which theinvention can be implemented.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the components of a hybrid set top boxincorporating a teletext receiver arrangement according to theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a screen view of the user interface provided by the server forprogramming a customized teletext page.

The invention is intended for interactive broadcast receivers, of whichFIG. 1 shows a view examples. In FIG. 1, a conventional television set1, is connected to a set-top box 2 receiving a television broadcastsignal through, for example, a cable connection. An interactivetelevision set 3 receives a broadcast signal from a terrestrialbroadcast connection. A personal computer 4 with broadcast or multicastreceiver hardware and software receives a broadcast signal using asatellite tuner 5. All of the mentioned receivers are also connected toa network 6, e.g. the Internet: they comprise a back channel, forupstream transmission of data, for example to a server 7, connected tothe network 6.

FIG. 2 shows schematically some of the major components of the set-topbox 2, as an example of such a broadcast receiver. The set-top box 2 isa hybrid broadcast receiver, having a input 8 for digital and an input 9for analogue broadcast data, to emphasize the fact that the invention isnot limited to either one of these types of broadcast data. To this end,the set-top box 2 comprises a tuner 10 and a digital decoder 11. Thelatter will differ according to whether the input 8 is intended forsatellite, cable or terrestrial reception. The broadcast data providedon the input 9 for analogue data is processed by a video decoder 12. Thevideo decoder 12 converts the broadcast data from the input format, e.g.PAL, NTSC, or SECAM CVBS, into color component values. In addition, thevideo decoder captures serially encoded data comprised in the virtualblanking interval (VBI) of the broadcast signal. Principally, this datacomprises teletext data elements.

In the example of FIG. 2, both the digital decoder 11 and the videodecoder 12 are connected to a Home Entertainment Engine 13 (HEE). Inthis case, the HEE 13 is a so-called System on a Chip, meaning that anumber of integrated circuits are integrated into one chip, eachperforming a specific function in the processing of video and audiodata. The HEE 13 has a memory controller and interface to Random AccessMemory 14, and a bus controller and interface to PCI/XIO bus 15. Anextra memory module 16 can be addressed through the bus 15. The memorymodule can be Nor, NAND or Sync flash memory, or an (E)EPROM device. TheHEE 13 processes digital broadcast data received from the digitaldecoder 11, carrying out amongst others, the processing of a transportstream, demultiplexing and descrambling. It comprises a 2D graphicsengine and an on-screen graphics unit. The latter defines a userinterface and subtitling elements and superimposes them on pictureoutputs using titling, teletext insertion and VBI insertion as needed. Adigital video encoder in the HME 6 encodes primary digital (YCbCr) videodata, which can be a mix of graphic and video, to create an NTSC, PAL,SECAM CVBS or S-video signal. It also creates an RGB signal for outputto a display, via video output 17. A digital audio signal is convertedto analogue format by a converter 18, and made available through audiooutput 19

It will be understood, that there are different ways in which teletextcan be implemented and decoded. The term teletext receiver arrangement,as used in the context of this application, will be understood to meanthe collection of hardware and software components that together extractteletext data elements from the broadcast signal, and process these.According to the invention, the teletext receiver arrangement is capableof generating a video signal encoding a customized teletext page fromthe teletext data elements according to a set of instructions. Thegenerated video signal can be any of the above mentioned signals createdby the HEE 13. Thus, the customized teletext page can be made availablein an RGB signal for direct use by a display, or it can itself beinserted into the VBI in a television signal to be provided totelevision set 1 (FIG. 1) or to a VCR (not shown).

The HEE 13 is also connected to a modem 20, which can be a cable modem,DSL modem, or conventional modem, providing access to the network 6 (seeFIG. 1) through an interaction channel 21. Through this channel 21 datacan be both uploaded and downloaded to the set-top box 2. According tothe invention, a piece of code implementing a set of instructions forgenerating a video signal encoding a customized teletext page isdownloaded. This code can then be executed or interpreted by a processorin the HEE 13.

Although the invention is not limited to any particular type of set topbox 2, it is noted that set-top boxes conforming to the Multimedia HomePlatform standard (MHP) provide a particularly favorable environment forimplementing the invention. This platform is organized into threelayers. The first layer is formed by the system resources, the second bythe system software and the third by applications. The system softwarecomprises a Java Virtual Machine, providing a common interface toprograms, so called Xlets, which can be run on the system.

In such an embodiment of the invention, an Xlet is provided to theset-top box 2, implementing a set of instructions for creatingcustomized teletext pages using the teletext data elements extractedfrom the received broadcast signal. Referring to FIG. 1, set-top box 2is programmed to download the Xlet from the server 7, to which it isconnected through the network 6. This has the advantage that differenttypes of customization can be carried out, depending on the types ofXlets available from the server 7. The advantage of downloading theXlets over generating them in the set-top box 2, is that this wouldquickly place too large demands on the processing capacity of the HME 6.To generate an Xlet in a user-friendly development environment requiresmore system resources than to run one.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the code is downloaded duringoperation of the set-top box 2, after it has been switched on. This hasthe advantage that the code can be saved to RAM 14. It does not need tobe stored. An embodiment is possible wherein the code is provided in acontinuous stream of data from the server 7. This is useful when theset-top box 2 can access the network 6 through a connection that isalways on.

In another embodiment, the code is downloaded and saved to memory module16. This has the advantage that the set-top box 2 is not dependent onthe server 7, so that it will continue to function if the server 7 istemporarily unavailable.

In order to allow the server 7 to transmit different pieces of code tovarious receivers connected to it, the teletext receiver arrangement isprogrammed to transmit a unique identification code to the server,identifying the piece of code to be downloaded. This is primarily usefulfor all embodiments of the invention in which the code is not streamedto the receivers, but downloaded at certain times. It is noted that theuse of a unique identification code can be advantageously used touniquely identify the type of device in which the teletext pages aredisplayed. Thus different types of customization can be deployed intelevision sets with a wide screen from those used in smaller sets, forexample. In an even more advantageous embodiment, the identificationcode can be used to distinguish between users of individual appliances,thus allowing each user to apply his own type of customization.

Every user can have their own set piece of code, implementing theirpreferences. The invention provides a mechanism for generating thiscode, as well. Using either the set-top box 2 in combination with thetelevision set 1, or a separate personal computer 22, the user canaccess a special web site hosted on the server 7, or on another serverconnected to the server 7. The web site serves as a front end, providingan interface to a program for generating the piece of code thatimplements the set of instructions for generating one or more customizedteletext pages. The set-top box 2 or personal computer 22 serves as aterminal for entering commands to this program.

If the user accesses the web site using the set-top box 2, which is togenerate the customized teletext pages, the set-top box 2 can beprogrammed to provide the server 7 with the unique identification codefor this set-top box 2. It can do this automatically or uponinterrogation by the server 7, using a specific protocol, for example.Alternatively, the server 7 can prompt the user for an identificationcode that is unique to the teletext receiver arrangement in the set-topbox 2. This is advantageous, because the user can thus access the server7 from any terminal, like the computer 22. The piece of code generatedby the server 7 is linked to the unique identification code, so that itcan be downloaded to the correct set-top box 2 afterwards.

An embodiment is also envisaged in which a password is provided by theuser of the set-top box 2 with the unique identification code. This canbe used to prevent unauthorized persons from changing the settings ofthe set-top box 2 by downloading a different piece of code.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) provided aspart of the invention. It comprises a screen view 23 of the customizedteletext page, showing what the customized teletext page will look like,if generated by the set-top box 2 according to the current settings.

Commands are entered by clicking on a series of buttons 24-29,31comprised in the GUI.

As is well known, e.g. from European Telecommunication Standard 300 706,teletext data is organized into packets. Packets comprise the data for ateletext page. One or more pages together form a magazine. One or moremagazines may be comprised in a teletext service. There is one teletextservice per broadcast channel.

Preferably, the user is able to provide instructions for generating aplurality of different customized pages. A channel selection button 24allows the user to select a channel, and thus a teletext service. A pageselection button 25 allows the user to select a page from that service.After selecting a page from a service, the user can then proceed tocustomize the appearance of that page. Later, when the code implementingthe instructions for generating the customized page has been downloadedto the set-top box 2, the set-top box 2 will generate the customizedpage instead of the standard page in response to a selection command forthat page.

In one embodiment, the server 7 provides a choice between a number ofpre-defined templates. This has the advantage of being a veryuser-friendly way of specifying the type of customized teletext page tobe generated. Little time is needed to familiarize oneself with thecommands, and little time is spent on-line.

In an alternative embodiment, in conjunction with which the GUI of FIG.3 is provided, the user has more scope for customization. In thisembodiment, for example, code for the set-top box 2 can be generatedthat, when run on the set-top box 2, enables the teletext receiverarrangement to assemble teletext data elements from two or more pagesinto the customized teletext page. Preferably, the code enables theteletext receiver arrangement to assemble teletext data elements fromtwo or more pages that are part of different teletext services into thecustomized teletext page.

By clicking on a button 26 the user can specify which data elements fromwhich pages are to be added to the customized teletext page. In theexample of FIG. 3 text from pages 201, 202 and 203 is combined into anew customized page 201. Thus, using the invention, the user canassemble information, relating to a topic of his interest, fromdifferent sources into one single customized teletext page. Preferably,as soon as the user has defined data elements to be added to thecustomized teletext page, software on the server 7 automaticallycomputes those settings for the customized teletext page (column, fontand paragraph settings) that will allow all the selected information tofit on the screen of the television set 1.

In the context of the invention, a customized teletext page is anyteletext page that differs in appearance from the teletext pagesprovided by a broadcaster. Thus, it need not necessarily differ (only)in terms of the contents, but can also differ in terms of itsappearance. For example, by clicking on a ‘columns’ button 27, the usercan change the arrangement into columns of the teletext page contents.This is useful if the user knows that he will be viewing the pages on awide format screen, so that multiple columns can be arranged side byside without impairing the legibility. By clicking on a ‘font’ button28, the user can change the appearance of the text, e.g. the size and/orcolor in which it is displayed. By clicking on a ‘paragraph’ button 29,the user can change the arrangement of the teletext information intoparagraphs, for example according information from each originallybroadcast page a separate paragraph in the customized page. Lines canadditionally separate the columns or paragraphs, so that the user willknow from which pages the elements of the customized page originated.With this button 29, the user can additionally alter the line spacingand paragraph spacing, to fit the information onto the page in the bestway possible.

According to the invention, the set of instructions according to whichthe customized teletext page is to be generated, is checked against oneor more criteria. Thus, the user cannot specify a customized teletextpage that cannot be generated by the teletext receiver arrangement. Thisfeature can also be used to prevent the generation of customized pagesthat cannot be displayed legibly on the target television set. In theGUI of FIG. 3, a ‘wrong settings’ field 30 will start to blink as soonas the criteria are not fulfilled.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the piece of code that is tobe downloaded to the teletext receiver arrangement is not generated ifthe criteria have not been met. If the criteria have been met, and theuser is satisfied with the appearance of the customized teletext page, aclick on the ‘save’ button 31 will ensure that the code to be downloadedis generated. In case the user decides not to change the customizedteletext page (keep old settings), a click on a ‘cancel’ button 32 willresult in no new downloaded code being generated.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to theembodiments described above, which can be varied in a number of wayswithin the scope of the claims. For instance, alternative interfaces tothe program for generating the piece of code to be downloaded arepossible. In addition, the interface need not be provided by means of aweb front end that can be accessed through the Internet. An alternativeway of accessing the program on the server 16 is also possible.

1. Teletext receiver arrangement, comprising a receiver for receivingbroadcast data including teletext data elements through a broadcastchannel; a teletext processor for extracting the teletext data elementsfrom the broadcast data; and a processor for generating a video signalencoding a customized teletext page from the teletext data elementsaccording to a set of instructions; wherein the teletext receiverarrangement comprises an interface for establishing a connection to aserver through an interaction channel, and is programmed to download apiece of computer code implementing the set of instructions from theserver through the interaction channel.
 2. Teletext receiver arrangementaccording to claim 1, further comprising a memory device, wherein thearrangement is programmed to store the downloaded piece of computer codein the memory device, and wherein, in use, the code is retrieved fromthe memory device.
 3. Teletext receiver arrangement according to claim1, wherein the teletext receiver arrangement is programmed to transmit aunique identification code to the server, identifying the piece of codeto be downloaded.
 4. Teletext receiver arrangement according to claim 1,wherein the teletext receiver arrangement is capable of executing codeenabling it to assemble teletext data elements from two or more pagesinto the customized teletext page.
 5. Teletext receiver arrangementaccording to claim 4, wherein the teletext receiver arrangement iscapable of executing code enabling it to assemble teletext data elementsfrom two or more pages that are part of different teletext services intothe customized teletext page.
 6. Teletext receiver arrangement accordingto claim 1, comprising means for providing a page selection command,wherein the teletext receiver arrangement is capable of generating oneof a plurality of customized pages by running the program code, inresponse to a page selection command.
 7. Method of adapting a teletextreceiver arrangement that comprises a receiver for receiving broadcastdata, including teletext data elements, through a broadcast channel; ateletext processor for extracting the teletext data elements from thebroadcast data; and a processor for generating a video signal encoding acustomized teletext page from the teletext data elements according to aset of instructions, the method comprising transferring a piece ofcomputer code implementing the set of instructions from a server,connected to the teletext receiver arrangement by means of aninteraction channel, to the teletext receiver arrangement through theinteraction channel.
 8. Method according to claim 7, comprisingassembling a set of instructions in response to commands received from aterminal connected to the server through a network, and generating thepiece of code from the assembled set of instructions.
 9. Methodaccording to claim 8 comprising making a graphical user interfaceavailable on the terminal, comprising a screen view of the customizedteletext page.
 10. Method according to claim 8, comprising prompting theuser of the terminal for an identification code unique to a teletextreceiver arrangement, linking the generated piece of code to theidentification code received in response to the prompt, and transferringthe code to the teletext receiver arrangement identified by the code.11. Method according to claim 7, comprising the generation of a piece ofcode that, when run on the teletext receiver arrangement, enables theteletext receiver arrangement to assemble teletext data elements fromtwo or more pages into the customized teletext page.
 12. Methodaccording to claim 11, comprising the generation of a piece of code thatthat, when run on the teletext receiver arrangement, enables theteletext receiver arrangement to assemble teletext data elements fromtwo or more pages that are part of different teletext services into thecustomized teletext page.
 13. Method according to claim 8, wherein theset of instructions are checked against one or more criteria.
 14. Methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the piece of code is only generated ifthe criteria have been met.
 15. Method according to claim 9, comprisingmaking a user interface available on the terminal through which a usercan select one of a plurality of templates for a customized teletextpage, and generating the piece of code in response to a selectioncommand received from the terminal.
 16. Method according to claim 9,wherein a piece of code is generated that, when run on the teletextreceiver arrangement enables it to generate one of a plurality ofcustomized pages, in response to a page selection command.
 17. Serverset up to execute a method according to claim
 7. 18. Computer programproduct, having the capability, when run on a server, to make the serverexecute a method according to claim
 7. 19. Television receiver,comprising a teletext receiver arrangement according to claim
 1. 20.Computer program product for a television receiver comprising a receiverfor receiving broadcast data including teletext data elements through abroadcast channel; a teletext processor for extracting the teletext dataelements from the broadcast data; a processor for generating a videosignal encoding a customized teletext page from the teletext dataelements according to a set of instructions; and an interface forestablishing a connection to a server through an interaction channel,wherein the computer program product, when run on the televisionreceiver, enables it to function as a television receiver according toclaim 19.